Donna was given to
me and initially was a very snappy young turtle,
but has settled down - much thanks to Splinter's
kind and loving attention.
Turtles are
reptiles, so therefore growth is dictated by
temperature and food intake. After 1 year
of age, they no longer require their tank/pond
to be heated (so long as it is large enough that
the water temperature doesn't fluctuate to
quickly). If kept in a heated tank, their
growth will be fast, however they will also not
live as long.
Turtles can live
between 15-50 years (longer life if kept
outside).
In an outside pond, they need to be full fenced
and/or enclosed (min 60cm) to prevent escape,
and if you have cats in the neighbour hood,
protected against attack.
If kept inside, they require full
spectrum lighting and an area where they can
bask and dry their shell.
It is important to
always wash your hands after handling Turtles,
as they carry Salmonella. The dirtier the water
in a tank, the higher the concentration.
In a pond
environment, during Summer (warmer weather)
turtles are very active and I often provide them
with tadpoles and small fish to chase and eat,
however in Winter (colder weather) their eating
will reduce to nil and they will hibernate.
Don't be concerned if you don't see them for a
few months, they are probably sleeping on the
bottom of the pond.
Food is available
from the pet shops in many forms, however you
will discover that they develop their own
preferences and likes.
Contributed by
Rozanne de Wild
(copyright,
not to be republished)
Breed Identifier > Turtle
Identifier > Red Earred Slider Turtle
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